System, method and devices related to radio communication equipment

ABSTRACT

A system in radio communication comprising a controller, a first device, and a second device is provided. The first device is associated with a first particular sector of a radio communication cell and the second device is associated with a second particular sector of the radio communication cell. The first device comprises a first sector indicating hardware and the second device comprises a second sector indicating hardware. The first and second sector indicating hardware each comprises a first visual sector information relating to the first particular sector such that the first visual sector information is visible to a human, and a first electronically readable sector information relating to the first particular sector. Each device comprises a first reading arrangement for reading the electronically readable sector information.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to International Patent Application No.PCT/SE2011/050460, which was filed Apr. 14, 2011 and which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates to a device and a controller of radiocommunication equipment. The device and the controller are locatedremote from each other. Further aspects relate to a sector indicatinghardware for a device. Further aspects relate to a system comprising acontroller and a first device. Further aspects relate to a method ofestablishing a connection via a network between a controller and a firstdevice.

BACKGROUND

Radio communication networks use antennas to transmit and receive radiosignals from mobile terminals, such as mobile phones. Support structuremounted devices are usually installed and connected to these antennas.Examples of support structures are antenna masts, towers and otherbuildings. Examples of support structure mounted devices may be antennaline devices (ALD) and devices comprising radio communication equipmentcapable of performing more advanced tasks in the radio communicationnetwork such as Remote Radio Units (RRU).

The support structure mounted devices have in common that they arerelated to a particular sector of a radio communication cell.Furthermore, the support structure mounted devices are connected to acontroller of the radio communication network, which controller isarranged at a distance from the support structure mounted devices andmay be associated with more than one sector of the radio communicationcell. Commonly, the structure mounted devices may be connected via oneor more wires to the controller.

In practice the connection of support structure mounted devices andcontroller on-site may be non-trivial. Experience shows that mistakesmay easily be made. One example may be the installation of an antennasystem. The support structure such as a tower is mounted by servicepersonnel to install e.g. three ALD:s, each one associated with adifferent sector of a relevant radio communication cell. The ALD:s areconnected via wire to a controller located remotely from the ALD:s, e.g.in housing at the foot of the tower. Identification numbers for each ALDare noted together with the relevant sector for each ALD. Theses notes,commonly provided handwritten on paper, are passed on to other personnelresponsible for network configuration for generating files used fornetwork configuration in the controller. It easily may be understoodthat the above discussed procedure often fails. The consequence may bethat the system does not operate as intended requiring furtherinstallation efforts and making operators hesitant to consider systemsincluding ALD:s. Alternatively, the controller may perform a scan fordevices connected to the controller, e.g. as disclosed in US2006/0277309 A1. However, the controller will find the devices withoutany idea about their relative position in relation to sectors of anyradio communication cells.

In a different scenario a number of Remote Radio Units (RRU:s), at leasttwo of which are associated with different sectors of one or more radiocommunication cells, may be installed on one or more support structuressuch as one or more buildings and be connected via wire, e.g. opticalfibres, to a remotely located Main Unit (MU) comprising a controller.The MU may be located in the basement of a building at a distance ofseveral kilometres from the RRU:s. Each fibre must be connected to theright port of the MU according to a pre-defined configuration in orderfor the controller to know which sector of the one or more radiocommunication cells is connected to which port. It is important thateach port of the MU is connected to the right RU. In the above describedsituation it is impossible for service personnel to verify that eachoptical fibre is connected to the right port. Faulty cabling willcomplicate cell planning and seriously degrade radio net performance. Tocorrect mistakes, site visits are needed and there may be a need forservice personnel to climb to the RRU:s to check which fibre isconnected to which RRU.

The Antenna Interface Standards Group Standard No. AISG v 2.0 isconcerned with a control interface for antenna line devices. Accordingto the standard a UniqueID is a global unique identifier of an AntennaLine Device (ALD). An ALD is a generic term for an addressable physicaldevice, such as an antenna driver or amplifier. The standard does notprovide any solution to the problem of ensuring reliable connectionbetween a device relating to a particular sector and a controller.

US 2008/0300022 A1 discloses a method and a system for parameterconfiguration of an ALD. By means of a master station device an antennaport of the device is scanned for identification information of one ormore ALD:s. Obtained identification information is used for performingthe parameter configuration. However, since the identificationinformation does not relate to any sector of a particular ALD, theproblem of ensuring reliable connection between an ALD relating to aparticular sector and a controller remains.

WO2007/118211 A2 discloses automatic setting of antenna relatedparameters such as power, angle, azimuth. Readings from sensors inantenna systems are communicated to a central controller. The centralcontroller may determine desired operating parameters and send these tothe antennas.

SUMMARY

An object may be to provide for a device and a controller remote fromthe controller, to improve at least parts of a process of connecting thedevice and the controller.

According to one aspect, the object may be achieved by a device relatedto radio communication equipment. The device is adapted to be connectedto a controller located remote from the device. The controller isassociated with at least a first particular sector of a radiocommunication cell. The device is assigned to a first identity and thedevice comprises a sector indicating hardware. The device is associatedwith the first particular sector. The sector indicating hardwarecomprises:

-   -   a visual sector information relating to the first particular        sector such that the visual sector information is visible to a        human, and    -   an electronically readable sector information relating to the        first particular sector. The device comprises a reading        arrangement for reading the electronically readable sector        information relating to the first particular sector from the        sector indicating hardware.

Since the sector indicating hardware comprises both visible andelectronically readable sector information relating to the firstparticular sector it may be ensured that service personnel may be fullyaware of, to which sector the device relates. Faulty association betweensector and the device may thus be avoided. As a result, the abovementioned object may be achieved. Furthermore, the controller maycommunicate with the reading arrangement to inquire the electronicallyreadable sector information and it may be ensured that the controller isconnected to the device relating to the first particular sector whichmay be associated with the first identity in the controller.

The term “particular sector” is herein to be interpreted as anyparticular sector of a radio communication cell and not only to a sectorhaving a specific sector number. For instance the term “first particularsector” may refer to sector number two of a radio communication cell orto a sector directed westward. Sector information may be indicateddirectly or indirectly, for instance by a sector number as such, by apoint of the compass or similar. The reading arrangement may be anelectronic circuit, it may comprise for instance discrete components ora processing unit. The device may be attached to a supporting structuresuch as a mast, a tower or other building structure.

According to embodiments the sector indicating hardware may comprise asetting element, such as a switch or a connector, for setting the sectorindicating hardware to relate to the first particular sector. In thismanner service personnel may install the device, e.g. in an antennamast, to a rooftop or in a tunnel, and during installation set thesector indicating hardware to relate to a particular sector. Thus,service personnel may ensure that the device is associated with therelevant particular sector the device is arranged to relate to. Thevisual sector information and the electronically readable sectorinformation may be set simultaneously. Accordingly, it may be reliedupon the electronically readable sector information being correct whenthe controller is connected to the device.

According to embodiments the device may comprise a connector socket orconnector plug and the setting element may comprise a connecting elementadapted for interconnecting at least two conductors of the connectorsocket or connector plug. In this manner service personnel may easilyset the visual sector information and the electronically readable sectorinformation to relate to the first particular sector by selecting asetting element coded for the first particular sector. For instance maythe setting element have a particular colour and/or be provided with anumber depending on which conductors are interconnected. Differentconductors are interconnected in different setting elements and may thusbe used to relate to different sectors.

According to embodiments the device may comprise a location indicatinghardware. The location indicating hardware may comprise:

-   -   a visual location information relating to a location of the        device such that the visual location information is visible to a        human, and    -   an electronically readable location information relating to the        location of the device. The reading arrangement may be adapted        to read the electronically readable location information from        the location indicating hardware. In this manner the device may        be distinguishable from further devices related to the first        particular sector.

The term “location information” may be used to relate to differentparameters such as to a physical location of the device, e.g. inrelation to other devices of the first particular sector, or to aparticular operator related to the device, or to a particular supportingstructure, or to a particular cluster of devices. A cluster of devicesmay comprise devices in the same geographical area or devices arrangedon the same supporting structure, where each cluster may be assigned toe.g. a specific frequency band, a specific operator, or to a specificradio communication standard or system such as e.g. GSM, WCDMA, LTE,3GPP, WiMax, and UMB.

According to embodiments the device may comprise an Antenna Line Device(ALD), or a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), or an Antenna Integrated Radio(AIR), or a Tower Mounted Amplifier (TMA), or a Remote ElectricalTilting device (RET).

According to a further aspect, the object may be achieved by acontroller adapted to be connected via a network to a first device. Thefirst device is assigned to a first identity. The controller and thefirst device are comprised in radio communication equipment. Thecontroller is located at a distance from the first device and the firstdevice is associated with a first particular sector of a radiocommunication cell. The first device comprises a first sector indicatinghardware. The first sector indicating hardware comprises:

-   -   a first visual sector information relating to the first        particular sector such that the first visual sector information        is visible to a human, and    -   a first electronically readable sector information relating to        the first particular sector. The first device comprises a first        reading arrangement for reading the first electronically        readable sector information relating to the first particular        sector from the first sector indicating hardware. The controller        is adapted to send an inquiry to the first device. The inquiry        is for a first identity related information related to the first        device. The inquiry to the first device is directed to the first        device based on its association with the first particular        sector.

Since the controller by means of the inquiry directed to the firstdevice based on its association with the first particular sector maylearn the first identity related information related to the first deviceit may be ensured that the controller will associate the first devicewith the first particular sector. As a result, the above mentionedobject may be achieved.

According to embodiments the controller may be comprised in a radiodevice associated with radio communication in the first particularsector to be connected with the first device.

According to embodiments the controller may be adapted to connect thefirst device to a first radio device associated with radio communicationin the first particular sector.

According to embodiments the controller may be adapted to be connectedvia the network to a second device being assigned to a second identityand which second device is comprised in radio communication equipment.The controller is located at a distance from the second device and thesecond device is associated with a second particular sector of the radiocommunication cell. The second device may comprise a second sectorindicating hardware. The second sector indicating hardware comprises:

-   -   a second visual sector information relating to the second        particular sector such that the second visual sector information        is visible to a human, and    -   a second electronically readable sector information relating to        the second particular sector.        The second device may comprise a second reading arrangement for        reading the second electronically readable sector information        relating to the second particular sector from the second sector        indicating hardware. The controller may be adapted to send an        inquiry to the second device, which inquiry is for a second        identity related information related to the second device. The        inquiry to the second device may be directed to the second        device based on its association with the second particular        sector. In this manner the controller by means of the inquiry        directed to the second device based on its association with the        second particular sector may learn the second identity related        information related to the second device. The controller may        thus associate the second device with the second particular        sector. It may thus be ensured that radio communication may take        place correctly in the first particular sector and the second        particular sector.

According to embodiments the first device may comprise a first locationindicating hardware, and the first location indicating hardware maycomprise:

-   -   a first visual location information relating to a location of        the device such that the first visual location information is        visible to a human, and    -   a first electronically readable location information relating to        the location of the first device. The reading arrangement may be        adapted to read the first electronically readable location        information from the first location indicating hardware. The        inquiry may be directed to the first device based on the        location of the first device.

According to a further aspect, the object may be achieved by a systemcomprising a controller and a first device being assigned to a firstidentity and a second device being assigned to a second identity. Thecontroller, the first device and the second device are comprised inradio communication equipment. The controller is connected to at leastthe first device and the second device via a network. The first deviceand the second device are located at a distance from the controller. Thefirst device is associated with a first particular sector of a radiocommunication cell and the second device is associated with a secondparticular sector of the radio communication cell. The first devicecomprises a first sector indicating hardware and the second devicecomprises a second sector indicating hardware. The first sectorindicating hardware comprises:

-   -   a first visual sector information relating to the first        particular sector such that the first visual sector information        is visible to a human, and    -   a first electronically readable sector information relating to        the first particular sector. The first device comprises a first        reading arrangement for reading the first electronically        readable sector information relating to the first particular        sector from the first sector indicating hardware. The second        sector indicating hardware comprises:    -   a second visual sector information relating to the second        particular sector such that the second visual sector information        is visible to a human, and    -   a second electronically readable sector information relating to        the second particular sector. The second device comprises a        second reading arrangement for reading the second electronically        readable sector information relating to the second particular        sector from the second sector indicating hardware.

Since the sector indicating hardware of the first and second devicescomprise both visible and electronically readable sector informationrelating to the first particular sector it may be ensured that servicepersonnel may be fully aware of which sector the device relates to.Faulty association between the first particular sector and the firstdevice, and between the second particular sector and the second devicemay thus be avoided. As a result, the above mentioned object may beachieved. Furthermore, thanks to the electronically readable sectorinformation, the controller may associate the first identity with thefirst device and the first particular sector and the second identitywith the second device and the second particular sector.

According to embodiments the first sector indicating hardware maycomprise a first setting element, such as switch or a connector, forsetting the first sector indicating hardware to relate to the firstparticular sector. The second sector indicating hardware may comprise asecond setting element, such as switch or a connector, for setting thesecond sector indicating hardware to relate to the second particularsector. In this manner service personnel may set a relevant particularsector for each of the first and second devices.

According to embodiments the first device may comprise a first locationindicating hardware. The first location indicating hardware maycomprise:

-   -   a first visual location information relating to a location of        the first device such that the first visual location information        is visible to a human, and    -   a first electronically readable location information relating to        the location of the first device. The first reading arrangement        may be adapted to read the first electronically readable        location information from the first location indicating        hardware. The second device may comprise a second location        indicating hardware. The second location indicating hardware may        comprise:    -   a second visual location information relating to a location of        the second device such that the second visual location        information is visible to a human, and    -   a second electronically readable location information relating        to the location of the second device. The second reading        arrangement may be adapted to read the second electronically        readable location information from the second location        indicating hardware.

According to embodiments the first and second devices may comprise anAntenna Line Device (ALD), or a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), or an AntennaIntegrated Radio (AIR), or a Tower Mounted Amplifier (TMA), or a RemoteElectrical Tilting device (RET). The first and second devices may bedifferent types of devices.

According to a further aspect, the object may be achieved by a sectorindicating hardware for a device according to embodiments disclosedherein. The sector indicating hardware comprises a setting element forsetting the sector indicating hardware to relate to a particular sectorof a radio communication cell. The setting element comprises aconnecting element adapted for interconnecting at least two conductorsof a connector socket or a connector plug of the device.

Service personnel may ensure that a correct particular sector isindicated for a particular device by selecting a particular sectorindicating hardware indicating a particular sector. Faulty associationbetween sector and the device may thus be avoided. As a result, theabove mentioned object may be achieved. The setting element may have acolour and/or be provided with a number depending on which conductors ofthe setting element are interconnected, to visually indicate aparticular sector. Different conductors may be interconnected indifferent setting elements and may thus be used to relate to differentsectors.

According to a further aspect, the object may be achieved by a method ofestablishing a connection via a network between a controller and a firstdevice. The first device is assigned to a first identity. The controlleris located at a distance from the first device and the first device isassociated with a first particular sector of a radio communication cell.The first device comprises a first sector indicating hardware whichprovides electronically readable sector information relating to thefirst particular sector. The method comprises:

-   setting the electronically readable sector information relating to    the first particular sector on the first sector indicating hardware    manually,-   sending from the controller via the network an inquiry to the first    device, which inquiry is for a first identity related information    related to the first device, wherein the inquiry is directed to the    first device based on its association with the first particular    sector.

Since the sector indicating hardware may be set manually, servicepersonnel may ensure that a correct sector is indicated for the firstdevice. Faulty association between sector and the device may thus beavoided. As a result, the above mentioned object may be achieved.Furthermore, since the controller by means of the inquiry directed tothe first device based on its association with the first particularsector may learn the first identity related information related to thefirst device it may be ensured that the controller will associate thefirst device with the first particular sector.

According to embodiments the method may comprise establishing aconnection via the network between the controller and a second device.The second device may be assigned to a second identity. The controlleris located at a distance from the second device and the second device isassociated with a second particular sector of the radio communicationcell. The second device may comprise a second sector indicating hardwarewhich provides second electronically readable sector informationrelating to the second particular sector. The method may comprise:

-   setting the second electronically readable sector information    relating to the second particular sector on the second sector    indicating hardware manually,-   sending from the controller via the network an inquiry to the second    device, which inquiry is for a second identity related information    related to the second device, wherein the inquiry is directed to the    second device based on its association with the second particular    sector. In this manner the controller may associate the second    device with the second particular sector.

According to embodiments the first device may comprise a first locationindicating hardware which comprises a first electronically readablelocation information relating to the first device. The method maycomprise:

-   setting the first electronically readable location information    relating to a location of the first device on the first location    indicating hardware manually,-   sending from the controller via the network an inquiry to the first    device, which inquiry is for a first identity related information    related to the first device. The inquiry may be directed to the    first device based on its association with the location of the first    device. In this manner the controller may associate further    parameters with the first device.

According to embodiments sending from the controller via the network aninquiry to the first device may comprise:

-   sending the inquiry to the first device and the second device. In    this manner the controller may simply send the inquiry via the    network and receive a response from the first device only due to the    first device being associated with the first particular sector.

Further features and advantages will become apparent when studying theappended claims and the following detailed description. Those skilled inthe art will realize that different features of embodiments may becombined to create embodiments other than those described in thefollowing, without departing from the scope defined by the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects of embodiments will be readily understood from thefollowing detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates embodiments of systems forming part of radiocommunication systems and comprising radio communication equipment,

FIG. 3 illustrates a device related to radio communication equipmentaccording to embodiments,

FIG. 4 illustrates a setting element of a sector indicating hardwareaccording to embodiments,

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates schematically sector indicating hardwareaccording to embodiments,

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate embodiments of systems forming part of radiocommunication systems and comprising radio communication equipment, and

FIG. 10 illustrates embodiments of a method of establishing a connectionvia a network between a controller and at least one device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to theaccompanying drawings. Disclosed features of example embodiments may becombined as readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be describedin detail for brevity and/or clarity.

FIG. 1 illustrates embodiments of a system 2 forming part of a radiocommunication system and comprising radio communication equipment. Thesystem 2 comprises a first device 4 being assigned to a first identityand a second device 4′ being assigned to a second identity. The firstand second devices 4, 4′ are adapted to be supported by a supportstructure such as an antenna mast or a wall of a built structure. Thefirst and second devices 4, 4′ may be supported by the same supportstructure or by different support structures. The first device 4 isassociated with a first particular sector of a radio communication celland the second device 4′ is associated with a second particular sectorof the radio communication cell. The first and second devices 4, 4′ areeach an Antenna Line Device (ALD) such as a Tower Mounted Amplifier(TMA). Each TMA is connected to an antenna 6, 6′ of the radiocommunication system.

The system further comprises a controller 8. The controller 8 is locatedat a distance from the first device 4 and the second device 4′, and isconnected to at least the first device 4 and the second device 4′ via anetwork 10. Accordingly, the controller 8 is associated with at leastthe first particular sector and the second particular sector of theradio communication cell. The controller 8 may be comprised in a MainUnit, a Radio Base Station, a Node B, or similar apparatus of the radiocommunication system. The controller 8 itself or the Main Unit, the basestation, the Node B, or similar apparatus which is associated with thecontroller 8, must be connected correctly to the first device 4 and thesecond device 4′ in order to ensure reliable radio communication in theradio communication system.

The first device 4 comprises a first sector indicating hardware 12. Thefirst sector indicating hardware 12 comprises a first visual sectorinformation relating to the first particular sector and a firstelectronically readable sector information relating to the firstparticular sector. The first visual sector information is visible to ahuman. For instance service personnel may thus, verify that the firstdevice 4 is arranged on the support structure such that it relates tothe first particular sector. Alternatively, if the first sectorindicating hardware 12 may be set, service personnel may set the firstsector indicating hardware 12 to relate to the first particular sector.In the latter case also the electronically readable sector informationmay suitably be set simultaneously. Similarly, the second device 4′comprises a second sector indicating hardware 12′. The second sectorindicating hardware 12′ comprises a second visual sector informationrelating to the second particular sector and a second electronicallyreadable sector information relating to the second particular sector.The second visual sector information is visible to a human. Again, forinstance service personnel may thus, verify that the second device 4′ isarranged on the support structure such that it relates to the secondparticular sector. Alternatively, if the second sector indicatinghardware 12′ may be set, service personnel may set the second sectorindicating hardware 12′ to relate to the second particular sector. Inthe latter case also the second electronically readable sectorinformation may suitably be set simultaneously. The visual sectorinformation and the electronically readable sector information mayrelate to an actual sector number or to a point of compass. Embodimentsof the first and second sector indicating hardware 12, 12′ areillustrated in more detail below.

The first device 4 comprises a first reading arrangement 14 for readingthe first electronically readable sector information relating to thefirst particular sector from the first sector indicating hardware 12.The second device 4′ comprises a second reading arrangement 14′ forreading the second electronically readable sector information relatingto the second particular sector from the second sector indicatinghardware 12′. The reading arrangements 14, 14′ may comprise discreteelectronics or microprocessors and are adapted to read the respectivefirst and second electronically readable sector information. Thus, thecontroller 8, in communication with the first and second devices 4, 4′may associate a particular sector with a particular device 4, 4′.Accordingly, the controller 8 is adapted to send an inquiry to the firstdevice 4, which inquiry is for a first identity related informationrelated to the first device. The inquiry to the first device 4 isdirected to the first device based on its association with the firstparticular sector. Consequently, the first device 4 is adapted toreceive the inquiry from the controller 8, which inquiry is for theidentity related information related to the first device 4. The firstdevice 4 is adapted to send a response to the controller 8, whichresponse comprises the identity related information related to the firstdevice 4. The controller 8 is thus adapted to receive the response fromthe first device 4, which response comprises the first identity relatedinformation.

Furthermore, the controller 8 is adapted to send an inquiry to thesecond device 4′, which inquiry is for a second identity relatedinformation related to the second device. The inquiry to the seconddevice 4′ is directed to the second device based on its association withthe second particular sector. Consequently, also the second device 4′ isadapted to receive the inquiry from the controller 8, which inquiry isfor the second identity related information related to the second device4′. The second device 4′ is adapted to send a response to the controller8, which response comprises the second identity related informationrelated to the second device 4′. The controller 8 is thus adapted toreceive the response from the second device 4′, which response comprisesthe second identity related information.

The inquiry to the first device 4 is sent from the controller 8 via thenetwork 10. The inquiry to the first device 4 may be sent on the network10 to both the first device 4 and the second device 4′. The controller 8will receive a response from the first device 4 only, due to the firstdevice 4 being associated with the first particular sector. Similarly,the inquiry to the second device 4′ may be sent on the network 10 toboth the first device 4 and the second device 4′. The controller 8 willreceive a response from the second device 4′ only, due to the seconddevice 4′ being associated with the second particular sector.

The controller 8 may accordingly, assign the first identity relatedinformation such as the first identity of the first device 4, with thefirst device 4 based on its association with the first particularsector. Similarly, the controller 8 may assign the second identity ofthe second device 4′, with the second device 4′ based on its associationwith the second particular sector.

By means of the first and second sector indicating hardware 12, 12′, acorrect connection between the controller 8 and the first device 4, aswell as between the controller 8 and the second device 4′ may beestablished via the network 10. Thus, in the system 2, radiocommunication signals may be directed via the network 10 between thecontroller 8 and the respective first and second devices 4, 4′,according to radio communication standards, depending on in which of thefirst and second particular sectors a mobile communication device islocated. It may be noted that setting the first and second sectorindicating hardware 12, 12′ to relate to a particular sector may befacilitated to such a degree that even lesser skilled personnel mayperform such setting.

A TMA may be connected with further equipment of the radio communicationsystem. In FIG. 1 a connection with a respective antenna 6, 6′ hasalready been mentioned. Further equipment connected to a TMA maycomprise a Remote Electrical Tilting device (RET) 16, 16′. Therespective antennas 6, 6′ may be tilted about a respective substantiallyhorizontal axis by a respective RET 16, 16′. After a connection has beenestablished between the controller 8 and a TMA, e.g. the first device 4,the controller 8 may send tilting data to the RET 16 of the first device4 via the network 10 to set a tilting angle of the antenna 6 of thefirst device 4.

FIG. 2 illustrates embodiments of a system 2 forming part of a radiocommunication system and comprising radio communication equipmentsimilar to the system 2 disclosed in FIG. 1. The system of FIG. 2comprises a controller 8 connected to a first device 4 and a seconddevice 4′ via a network 10. The first and second devices 4, 4′ aremounted to a supporting structure in the form of an antenna mast 18. Thenetwork 10 comprises separate connections between the controller 8 andthe first device 4 and the second device 4′. In the system 2 of FIG. 1in contrast, the network 10 comprises a at least partially a commonconnection between the controller 8 and the first and second devices 4,4′.

FIG. 3 illustrates a device 4 related to radio communication equipmentaccording to embodiments. The device 4 may be comprised in a radiocommunication system. The device 4 comprises a Tower Mounted Amplifier(TMA) 30. The TMA 30 comprises at least one antenna connector 32 forconnecting an antenna of the radio communication equipment to the TMA30. The TMA 30 comprises at least one Radio Base Station connector 34for connecting the TMA 30 to a Radio Base Station (RBS) or similarapparatus of the radio communication system. The RBS or similarapparatus comprises a controller adapted to communicate with the TMA 30.

The TMA 30 comprises a sector indicating hardware 12. The sectorindicating hardware 38 comprises a connector socket 38 for connecting aRET to the TMA 30. The sector indicating hardware 12 comprises further asetting element 40. The setting element 40 comprises a connectingelement which interconnects conductors of the connector socket 38. TheTMA 30 comprises a reading arrangement, which may read which conductorsof the connector socket 38 are interconnected by the setting element 40.Different conductors of the connector socket 38 may be interconnected byusing different connecting elements 40 which are differently configuredto interconnect different conductors of the connector socket 38. Thedifferent connecting elements 40 may be differently shaped, differentlycoloured and/or be provided with different markings to make thedifferent connecting elements visually distinguishable from each other.

By assigning a setting element 40 with a particular configuration ofinterconnected conductors and with a particular visual characteristic torelate to a particular sector of a radio communication cell, theparticular sector may be set both visually and electronically when thesetting element 40 is connected to the connector socket 38 of aparticular TMA 30. Thus, the sector indicating hardware 12 comprisesboth a visual sector information relating to a particular sector suchthat the visual sector information is visible to a human, and anelectronically readable sector information relating to the particularsector. Depending on for which particular sector of a radiocommunication cell a TMA 30 mounted to a supporting structure isarranged to operate, service personnel may select the correspondingsetting element 40 and place it on the connector socket 38 before theRET is connected to the TMA 30. Thus, the sector indicating hardware 12will be set to relate to the particular sector.

FIG. 4 illustrates a setting element 40 of a sector indicating hardwareaccording to embodiments. The setting element 40 comprises a connectingelement 42 adapted for interconnecting at least two conductors of aconnector socket or a connector plug. Further, the setting element 40comprises a sleeve 44.

There may be provided a set of different setting elements 40. Thedifferent setting elements 40 of the set may comprise differentlyconfigured connecting elements 42 adapted to interconnect differentconductors of a connector socket or plug. Furthermore, the differentsetting elements 40 of the set may be differently coloured and beprovided with different line coding 46, such that each setting element40 with a particularly configured connecting element 42 is coloured withone colour and provided with one line coding 46. Thus, the set ofsetting elements 40 may comprise at least one setting element 40 each ofthe differently configured connecting elements 42 which may be utilizedfor setting a sector indicating hardware of a device related to radiocommunication equipment to related to a particular sector of a radiocommunication cell. Service personnel may select a setting element 40from the set and place it for instance on sector indicating hardwarecomprising a connector socket of a TMA. The connector socket may be aconnector socket for a RET, an antenna, an RBS, or other connectedapparatus. The sector indicating hardware thus, may be set to relate tothe particular sector. This may be done on location at a supportstructure where a relevant device comprising the sector indicatinghardware is installed.

FIG. 5 illustrates schematically a sector indicating hardware 12according to embodiments. The sector indicating hardware 12 comprises asetting element in the form of a switch 50 for setting the sectorindicating hardware 12 to relate to a particular sector. The switch 50may be rotated back and forth along the direction indicated by arrow 52.Electrically, the sector indicating hardware 12 connects by means of theswitch 50, one of several ports 54 to ground 56. Simultaneously, theswitch 50 indicates visually, by means of a pointer 58 and sector labels60 arranged on the sector indicating hardware 12, one of severalsectors.

The sector indicating hardware 12 is adapted to be arranged in a devicerelated to radio communication equipment, which device is associatedwith a particular sector of a radio communication cell. The ports 54 areconnected to a reading arrangement of the device. The readingarrangement is adapted to read which of the ports 54 is connected toground 56. By turning the switch 50 to a particular position, aparticular port of the several ports 54 is connected to ground 56 andthe pointer 58 points to a particular sector label 60. Accordingly, thesector indicating hardware 12 comprises an electronically readablesector information relating to the particular sector, and a visualsector information relating to the particular sector which is visible toa human. Thus, the sector indicating hardware 12 may be set tocorrespond to the particular sector associated with the device. Thereading arrangement of the device may read the electronically readablesector information.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sector indicating hardware 12 according toembodiments. The sector indicating hardware 12 may be designed asexplained in connection with the FIG. 5 embodiments. The sectorindicating hardware 12 is adapted to be arranged in a device related toradio communication equipment, which device is associated with aparticular sector of a radio communication cell. Visual sectorinformation is provided by the sector indicating hardware 12 in the formof point of compass. A switch 50 of the sector indicating hardware 12may be turned to relate to the particular sector by means of indicatingthe point of compass direction of the device associated with theparticular sector.

In other embodiments the sector indicating hardware may automaticallydetermine the point of compass direction using e.g. a built inelectronic compass. In such embodiment the point of compass directionand/or the related sector derived from the point of the compass may beread from a display on the device or read by service personnel usingdevices adapted to read such information.

The sector indicating hardware 12 comprises a location indicatinghardware 62. The location indicating hardware 62 comprises a visuallocation information relating to a location of the device. The visuallocation information is visible to a human. The location indicatinghardware 62 further comprises an electronically readable locationinformation relating to the location of the device. The locationindicating hardware 62 may be designed as the explained in connectionwith the sector indicating hardware 12 of FIG. 5. A location switch 64is adapted to be set in one out of several positions. Visual locationinformation is provided by the location indicating hardware 62 by meansof the location switch 64 pointing to, e.g. letters or digits relatingto a location associated with the device related to radio communicationequipment. The location indicated by the location indicating hardware 62may relate to a particular cluster of devices related to a particularradio communication operator, or location indicated by the locationindicating hardware 62 may relate to a particular supporting structure,or to a particular section of a supporting structure. The locationindicating hardware 62 is connected to a reading arrangement of thedevice. The reading arrangement is adapted to read the electronicallyreadable location information from the location indicating hardware 62.Consequently, an inquiry may be directed to a device comprising thesector indicating hardware 12 comprising the location indicatinghardware 62 based on the location of the device.

In other embodiments the location indication hardware may automaticallydetermine the geographic location using e.g. a built in GPS and/orgyroscope and/or triangulation. In such embodiment the location may beread from a display on the device, or read by service personnel usingdevices adapted to read such information

FIG. 7 illustrates embodiments of a system 2 forming part of a radiocommunication system and comprising radio communication equipment. Thesystem 2 comprises a first, a second, and a third device 4, 4′, 4″ beingassigned to a first, a second and a third identity, respectively. Thedevices 4, 4′, 4″ are adapted to be supported by one or more supportstructures such as antenna masts or walls of different kinds of builtstructures. Each of the device 4, 4′, 4″ is associated with a particularsector of a radio communication cell. Each of the devices 4, 4′, 4″comprises a TMA. Each device 4, 4′, 4″ is connected to an antenna 6, 6′,6″ of the radio communication system and to an RET 70, 70′, 70″. Thesystem 2 further comprises a controller 8. The controller 8 is locatedat a distance from the devices 4, 4′, 4″. The controller 8 is connectedto the devices 4, 4′, 4″ via a network 10. The controller 8 may becomprised in an RBS or similar apparatus of the radio communicationsystem.

Each device 4, 4′, 4″ is provided with a sector indicating hardware 12,12′, 12″. Each sector indicating hardware 12, 12′, 12″ comprises forinstance the above mentioned connector socket 38 and setting element 40comprising a connecting element 42. The first device 4 is, by means ofthe first sector indicating hardware 12 and a relevant setting element40, set to relate to a first particular sector of the radiocommunication cell. The second device 4′ is, by means of the secondsector indicating hardware 12′ and a relevant setting element 40, set torelate to a second particular sector of the radio communication cell.Accordingly, the first sector indicating hardware 12 may comprise afirst setting element, such as switch or a connector, for setting thefirst sector indicating hardware 12 to relate to the first particularsector, and the second sector indicating hardware 12′ may comprise asecond setting element, such as switch or a connector, for setting thesecond sector indicating hardware 12′ to relate to the second particularsector. The third device 4″ is, by means of the third sector indicatinghardware 12″ and a relevant setting element 40, set to relate to a thirdparticular sector of the radio communication cell. Each device 4, 4′, 4″comprises a reading arrangement for reading electronically readablesector information relating to each particular sector from each sectorindicating hardware 12, 12′, 12″. Thus, the controller 8, incommunication with the devices 4, 4′, 4″ may associate each particularsector with one of the devices 4, 4′, 4″ and their identity.

The first device 4 may be adapted for mounting on a first supportstructure and the first setting element may be adapted to be set torelate to the first particular sector on location at the first supportstructure. The second device 4′ may be adapted for mounting on the firstsupport structure, or on a second support structure, and the secondsetting element may be adapted to be set to relate to the secondparticular sector on location at the first or second support structure.

The network 10 comprises a first and a second multiplexer/demultiplexer72, 72′ which may combine several input signals into one output signal,and/or may take an input signal that carries many channels and separatesthose over multiple output signals.

In practice a TMA complying with the AISG v2.0 standard may be connectedto an RBS via the network 10. The network 10 may be utilized for RadioFrequency-feed (RF-feed) signals. The TMA may extract signals for boththe TMA and the RET 70 from the RF-feed signals. The TMA may beconnected to the RET 70 by means of an RS-485 bus. The TMA may beadapted to convert signals to the RET to RS-485 complying format. Thesector indicating hardware 12 may in this case comprise a connectorsocket 38 or plug of an RS-485 connector. The RS-485 connector may havefour conductors, such as conductor pins of the socket or plug, which arenot required for the RS-485 bus as such. The configuration may beaccording to the following: Pins Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 8 not used, pin No. 3Supplied voltage Vb, pin No. 5 Supplied voltage Va, pin No. 6 10V-30V DCvoltage, and pin No. 7 DC return.

The sector indicating hardware 12 may thus comprise a setting element 40comprising a connecting element 42 for interconnecting at least two ofthe non-used conductors of the connector socket 38. As mentioned abovethe setting element 40 may be for instance colour coded depending onwhich conductors are interconnected of a particular setting element 40.The interconnected conductors and the colour coding may thus relate to aparticular sector. For instance may the following be used: Sector 1,Colour red, no pins interconnected; Sector 2, Colour green, pins 4 and 8interconnected; Sector 3, Colour blue, pins 4 and 2 interconnected;Sector 4, Colour yellow, pins 4, 2 and 8 interconnected; Sector 5,Colour orange, pins 4 and 1 interconnected; Sector 6, Colour pink, pins4, 1 and 8 interconnected; Sector 7, Colour purple, pins 4, 1 and 2interconnected; Sector 8, Colour white, pins 4, 1, 2 and 8interconnected.

A TMA may comprise a reading arrangement for reading which of theconductor pins are interconnected, i.e. reading the thus, in theindicating hardware 12, comprised electronically readable sectorinformation. This electronically readable sector information may beutilized for configuring data related to the particular sector of theTMA such that identity related information of the TMA may be associatedwith the particular sector. For instance may an octet of the TMA:sidentity information, such as the uniqueID according to AISG v2.0standard, be set to comprise sector related information. The uniqueIDcomprises a vendor code (2 octets long) and a 1 to 17 octets long unitspecific code (e.g. serial number) exclusive for each secondary devicefrom the vendor to whom the vendor code is assigned. The vendor code isplaced in the left-most (most significant) position of the unique ID.The vendor to whom the vendor code is assigned is responsible forensuring the uniqueness of the unique ID for each device.

A system similar to the system 2 of FIG. 7 is disclosed in US2007/0173288 A1 disclosing method and apparatus for reducing combinerloss in a multi-sector omni-base station however, without any sectorindicating hardware. The system of US 2007/0173288 A1 is sometimesreferred to as Psi-Coverage base station concept. The use of sectorindicating hardware 12 lends itself well for use in the Psi-Coverageconcept to ensure that a controller of the RBS associates each of threeTMA:s with a correct particular sector.

FIG. 8 illustrates embodiments of a system 2 forming part of a radiocommunication system and comprising radio communication equipment. Thesystem 2 comprises six devices 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″ being assignedto six identities. The devices 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″ are adapted tobe supported by one or more support structures such as antenna masts orwalls of built structures. Each device 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″ isassociated with a particular sector of a radio communication cell. Thefirst, second and third devices 4, 4′, 4″ may relate to a first clusterof sectors of a radio communication cell, e.g. with sector numbers one,two and three. The fourth, fifth, and sixths devices 400, 400′, 400″ mayrelate to a second cluster of sectors. The second cluster of sectors mayrelate to the same radio communication cell and sectors as the firstcluster, i.e. sectors one, two, and three or the second cluster mayrelate to three different sectors of a different radio communicationcell than the first cluster of sectors.

The devices 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″ may be Remote Radio Units (RRU:s)or Antenna Integrated Radios (AIR:s) which are connected to a firstcontroller 8 and a second controller 8′ comprised in the system 2. Thecontrollers 8, 8′ are located at a distance from the devices 4, 4′, 4″,400, 400′, 400″ and is connected to the devices 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′,400″ via a network 10 comprising for instance optical fibre. The network10 may comprise one connection between each device 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′,400″ and each controller 8, 8′. Accordingly, each controller 8, 8′ isassociated with at least a first particular sector and a secondparticular sector of a radio communication cell. Each of the devices 4,4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″ comprises a sector indicating hardware 12, forinstance as illustrated in FIG. 6. Thus, a visual sector informationrelating to a particular sector, an electronically readable sectorinformation relating a particular sector, a visual location informationrelating to a particular location, and an electronically readablelocation information relating to a particular location may be set foreach of the devices 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″. Each device 4, 4′, 4″,400, 400′, 400″ comprises a reading arrangement for reading theelectronically readable sector information and for reading theelectronically readable location information from the sector indicatinghardware.

Accordingly, the first device 4 may comprise a first location indicatinghardware 62, and the first location indicating hardware comprises afirst visual location information relating to a location of the firstdevice such that the first visual location information is visible to ahuman, and a first electronically readable location information relatingto the location of the first device 4. The first reading arrangement maybe adapted to read the first electronically readable locationinformation from the first location indicating hardware 62. The seconddevice 4′ may comprises a second location indicating hardware 62, andthe second location indicating hardware may comprise a second visuallocation information relating to a location of the second device suchthat the second visual location information is visible to a human, and asecond electronically readable location information relating to thelocation of the second device. The second reading arrangement may beadapted to read the second electronically readable location informationfrom the second location indicating hardware 62. The remaining devices4″, 400, 400′, 400″ may be arranged similarly with respective locationindicating hardware and reading arrangements.

The controllers 8, 8′ may be comprised in a Main Unit (MU), a Radio BaseStation (RBS), a Base Band Unit, a Node B, or similar apparatus of theradio communication system. The MU, RBS, Base Band Unit, Node B, orsimilar apparatus of the radio communication system may be seen as aradio device associated with radio communication in at least oneparticular sector of a radio communication cell. The controllers 8, 8′may establish a correct connection between the devices 4, 4′, 4″, 400,400′, 400″ and the controllers 8, 8′. Alternatively, the controllers 8,8′ may be separate from an MU 80, RBS, Base Band Unit, Node B, orsimilar apparatus of the radio communication system. Accordingly, thecontrollers 8, 8′ may be adapted to connect at least one of the device4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″ to a radio device 80 associated with radiocommunication in a particular sector. The controllers 8, 8′ mayestablish a correct connection between the devices 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′,400″ and the MU 80, etc. The controllers 8, 8′ may utilize software forestablishing the correct connection.

Thus, the controllers 8, 8′, in communication with the devices 4, 4′,4″, 400, 400′, 400″, may associate a particular sector and a particularlocation with a particular device 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″.Accordingly, the controllers 8, 8′ are adapted to send an inquiry toeach device 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″, which inquiry is for an identityrelated information related to each device 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″.Furthermore, the controllers 8, 8′ are adapted to send an inquiry toeach device 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″, which inquiry is for a locationrelated information related to each device 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″.Alternatively, the devices 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″ may communicatethe identity related information related to each device 4, 4′, 4″, 400,400′, 400″ and the location related information related to each device4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″ to the controllers 8, 8′ without a precedinginquiry. The controllers 8, 8′ may accordingly, assign each identityrelated information to each device 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″ and eachlocation related information to each device 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″.Thus, in the system 2, radio communication signals may be directed viathe network 10 between the controllers 8, 8′, or the MU 80, etc. and therespective devices 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″ according to radiocommunication standards, depending on in FIG. 9 illustrates embodimentsof a system 2 forming part of a radio communication system andcomprising radio communication equipment. These embodiments resemble inmuch the embodiments of FIG. 8. However, the network 10 is configureddifferently and thus the first controller 8 communicates with the fourthdevice 400 via the first device 4, with the fifth device 400′ via thesecond device 4′, and with the third and sixths devices 4″, 400″ via thesecond controller 8′. The second controller 8′ communicates with thefirst, second, forth, and fifth devices 4, 4′, 400, 400′ via the firstcontroller 8 and with the sixths device 400″ via the third device 4″.This may be referred to as the devices 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″ beingcascaded.

Again, the controllers 8, 8′ may be comprised in a Main Unit (MU), aRadio Base Station (RBS), a Base Band Unit, a Node B, or similarapparatus of the radio communication system. The MU, RBS, Base BandUnit, Node B, or similar apparatus of the radio communication system maybe seen as a radio device associated with radio communication in atleast one particular sector of a radio communication cell. Thecontrollers 8, 8′ may establish a correct connection between the devices4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″ and the controllers 8, 8′. Alternatively, thecontrollers 8, 8′ may be separate from one or more MU:s 80, 80′, RBS,Base Band Units, Node B:s, or similar apparatuses of the radiocommunication system. Accordingly, the controllers 8, 8′ may be adaptedto connect at least one of the devices 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′, 400″ to aradio device 80 associated with radio communication in a particularsector. Similarly, the controllers 8, 8′ may be adapted to connect e.g.the fifth device 400′ to a second radio device 80′ associated with radiocommunication in a particular sector. The controllers 8, 8′ and mayestablish a correct connection between the devices 4, 4′, 4″, 400, 400′,400″ and the MU:s 80, 80′, etc. The controllers 8, 8′ may utilizesoftware for establishing the correct connection.

FIG. 10 illustrates embodiments of a method of establishing a connectionvia a network between a controller and at least one device. A firstdevice is assigned to a first identity. The controller is located at adistance from the first device and the first device is associated with afirst particular sector of a radio communication cell. The first devicecomprises a first sector indicating hardware which provideselectronically readable sector information relating to the firstparticular sector. The method comprises:

Setting 100 the electronically readable sector information relating tothe first particular sector on the first sector indicating hardwaremanually, and sending 102 from the controller via the network an inquiryto the first device. The inquiry is for a first identity relatedinformation related to the first device. The inquiry is directed to thefirst device based on its association with the first particular sector.

The method may further comprise receiving 104 in the controller aresponse from the first device, which response comprises the firstidentity related information related to the first device.

The method may further comprise connecting 106 by means of thecontroller the first device to a first radio device associated withradio communication in the first particular sector.

The method may further comprise establishing a connection via thenetwork between the controller and a second device. The second device isassigned to a second identity. The controller is located at a distancefrom the second device and the second device is associated with a secondparticular sector of the radio communication cell. The second devicecomprises a second sector indicating hardware which provides secondelectronically readable sector information relating to the secondparticular sector. The method may comprise: Setting 108 the secondelectronically readable sector information relating to the secondparticular sector on the second sector indicating hardware manually, andsending 110 from the controller via the network an inquiry to the seconddevice. The inquiry is for a second identity related information relatedto the second device. The inquiry is directed to the second device basedon its association with the second particular sector.

The method may further comprise receiving 112 in the controller aresponse from the second device, which response comprises the secondidentity related information related to the second device.

The method may further comprise connecting 114 by means of thecontroller the second device to the first radio device associated withradio communication in the first particular sector or to a second radiodevice associated with radio communication in the second particularsector.

The first device may further comprise a first location indicatinghardware which comprises a first electronically readable locationinformation relating to the first device. The method may furthercomprise: Setting 116 the first electronically readable locationinformation relating to a location of the first device on the firstlocation indicating hardware manually, and sending 118 from thecontroller via the network an inquiry to the first device. The inquiryis for a first identity related information related to the first device.The inquiry is directed to the first device based on its associationwith the location of the first device.

According to embodiments sending 102 from the controller via the networkan inquiry to the first device may comprise sending 120 the inquiry tothe first device and the second device.

According to embodiments an identification number of the first devicemay comprise sector related information relating to the first particularsector, and an identification number of the second device may comprisesector related information relating to the second particular sector.

According to embodiments the first device and the second devices maycomprise an Antenna Line Device (ALD), or a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), oran Antenna Integrated Radio (AIR), or a Tower Mounted Amplifier (TMA),or a Remote Electrical Tilting device (RET).

In practice a method according to embodiments may relate to a radiocommunication system 2 comprising a controller 8, a first device 4comprising a TMA assigned to a first identity, and a second device 4′comprising a TMA assigned to a second identity. The method is incompliance with the AISG v 2.0 standard. The controller 8 is connectedto at least the first device 4 and the second device 4′ via a network10. The first device 4 and the second device 4′ are located at adistance from the controller 8. The first device 4 is associated with afirst particular sector of a radio communication cell and the seconddevice 4′ is associated with a second particular sector of the radiocommunication cell. The first device 4 comprises a first sectorindicating hardware 12 and the second device 4′ comprises a secondsector indicating hardware 12′. Each TMA is associated with an RET. Thefirst sector indicating hardware 12 comprises a first visual sectorinformation relating to the first particular sector such that the firstvisual sector information is visible to a human, and a firstelectronically readable sector information relating to the firstparticular sector. The second sector indicating hardware comprises asecond visual sector information relating to the second particularsector such that the second visual sector information is visible to ahuman, and a second electronically readable sector information relatingto the second particular sector. Each TMA comprises a readingarrangement 14, 14′ for reading electronically readable sectorinformation relating to a particular sector from a sector indicatinghardware 12, 12′. Each TMA is adapted to configure a last octet of itsuniqueID according to the electronically readable sector information.

The controller 8 may use that last octet of the uniqueID to connect tothe TMA:s in a sequenced manner:

-   -   The controller 8 sends an inquiry via the network 10 to the TMA        of the first particular sector. The inquiry is for a first        identity related information related to the first TMA.    -   The controller 8 receives a response from the first TMA, which        response comprises the first identity related information.    -   Assign an HDLC address to the first TMA with uniqueID relating        to a first particular sector. HDLC stands for High-Level Data        Link Control and is a bit-oriented synchronous data link layer        protocol developed by the International Organization for        Standardization (ISO).    -   The first TMA switches DC ON to its associated RET after        receiving an HDLC address.    -   An HDLC address is assigned to RET with uniqueID. There is only        one RET visible to the controller 8, because all other RETs have        no DC (because the TMAs connected to them have no HDLC address)        and are therefore off-line. The RET will respond with its whole        uniqueID and the controller 8 may store it in relation to the        first TMA and the first particular sector.    -   Send an L2-restart message to the first TMA. The first TMA will        loose its HDLC address, go back to the “NoAddress” state and        switch the DC off to the RET, which will also loose its HDLC        address.    -   Assign HDLC address to the second TMA with uniqueID relating to        the second particular sector.    -   The second TMA switches DC ON to the relevant RET after        receiving an HDLC address.    -   An HDLC address is assigned to RET with uniqueID. There is only        one RET visible to the controller on the site, because all other        RETs have no DC (because the TMA:s connected to them have no        HDLC address) and are therefore off-line. The RET will respond        with its whole uniqueID and the controller 8 will store it in        relation to the second TMA and the second particular sector.    -   Send an L2-restart message to the second TMA. The TMA will loose        its HDLC address, go back to the “NoAddress” state and switch        the DC off to the RET, which will also loose its HDLC address.    -   The controller 8 has, at this point, full knowledge of the TMA's        and RET's uniqueID:s and more importantly, how they are        installed in relation to the antenna system, i.e. which device        relates to which particular sector.    -   The controller 8 uses these uniqueIDs to assign HDLC addresses        to all units and configures them according to a desired sector        configuration.

This allows the system to know with certainty to which TMA each RET isconnected. Service personnel need not bother about the relation betweenuniqueID and physical sectors as uniqueID is set by means of the sectorindicating hardware.

Example embodiments described above may be combined as understood by aperson skilled in the art. It is also understood by those skilled in theart that the device related to radio communication equipment may be anAntenna Integrated Radio (AIR) or a Remote Electrical Tilting device(RET). A controller may be connected to one or more TMA:s via one TMA,i.e. the TMA:s may be cascaded. In embodiments according to FIGS. 8 and9, one controller 8 may be connected to all devices 4, 4′, 4″, 400,400′, 400″.

Although example embodiments have been described, many differentalterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for thoseskilled in the art. The sector indicating hardware and/or the locationindicating hardware may comprise a dip switch. An electronic display maybe utilized for showing the visual sector information. In this case abutton connected to a controller may be used for setting the visualsector information and the electronically readable sector information. Asector indicating hardware comprising a rotary switch for setting sectorinformation and/or location information may utilize Gray encoding forsetting the electronically readable sector information. Sectorindicating hardware and/or reading arrangement and/or locationindicating hardware do not have to be separate devices, and thus two ormany functionalities may be incorporated in the same hardware.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative ofvarious example embodiments. Modifications to the disclosed embodiments,combinations of features of disclosed embodiments as well as otherembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims.

As used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is open-ended, andincludes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components orfunctions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, elements, steps, components, functions or groupsthereof.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

As used herein, the common abbreviation “e.g.”, which derives from theLatin phrase “exempli gratia,” may be used to introduce or specify ageneral example or examples of a previously mentioned item, and is notintended to be limiting of such item. If used herein, the commonabbreviation “i.e.”, which derives from the Latin phrase “id est,” maybe used to specify a particular item from a more general recitation.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms,such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”,“coupled” or “connected” to another element, it can be directly on,coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements mayalso be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being“directly on”, “directly coupled” or “directly connected” to anotherelement, there are no intervening elements present.

It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions,layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layersand/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms areonly used top distinguish one element, component, region, layer orsection from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus,a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed hereincould be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section.

Example embodiments have been described herein with reference toschematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. As such, variationsfrom the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, ofmanufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are to be expected. Thus,embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapesof regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapethat result, for example, from manufacturing.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A device comprising radio communicationequipment for a first particular sector of a radio communication celland configured to connect to a controller located remotely from thedevice, wherein the controller is associated with one or more sectors ofthe radio communication cell, including the first particular sector, andwherein the device is assigned a first identity and comprises: sectorindicating hardware that provides both visual sector information andelectronically readable sector information, each of which indicates thedevice is configured to be exclusively associated with the firstparticular sector, the visual sector information visually indicatingsuch on the device to a human and the electronically readable sectorinformation indicating such to an electronic circuit; and a readingcircuit configured to read the electronically readable sectorinformation from the sector indicating hardware.
 2. The device accordingto claim 1, wherein the device is configured to receive an inquiry fromthe controller requesting that the device respond with informationrelated to the identity of the device if that device is associated witha specified sector.
 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein thedevice is configured to determine whether it is associated with thespecified sector and, if so, to send a response to the inquiry thatincludes the requested information.
 4. The device according to claim 2,wherein the device is configured to recognize the inquiry as beingdirected to the device based on the device's exclusive association withthe first particular sector.
 5. The device according to claim 1, whereinthe sector indicating hardware comprises a setting element configured toset the device to be exclusively associated with the first particularsector.
 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the setting elementcomprises a connecting element selected from a set of differentconnecting elements that respectively set the device to be exclusivelyassociated with different sectors and that are visually marked as beingexclusively associated with those different sectors.
 7. The deviceaccording to claim 5, wherein the device is configured to mount onto asupport structure and wherein the setting element is configured to setthe device to be exclusively associated with the first particular sectoron location at the support structure.
 8. The device according to claim5, wherein the device further comprises a connector socket or connectorplug and wherein the setting element comprises a connecting elementconfigured to interconnect at least two conductors of the connectorsocket or connector plug.
 9. The device according to claim 8, whereinthe setting element comprises one setting element in a set of differentsetting elements that comprise different connecting elements, whereinthe different connecting elements are configured to interconnectdifferent conductors of the connector socket or connector plug forsetting the device to be exclusively associated with different sectorsof the radio communication cell.
 10. The device according to claim 1,wherein the visual sector information and the electronically readablesector information indicate that the device is exclusively associatedwith a particular sector number or compass point.
 11. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the controller is further associated witha second particular sector of the radio communication cell.
 12. Thedevice according to claim 1, further comprising location indicatinghardware that provides both visual location information andelectronically readable location information, each of which indicates alocation of the device, the visual location information visuallyindicating such to a human and the electronically readable locationinformation indicating such to an electronic circuit, and wherein thereading circuit is further configured to read the electronicallyreadable location information from the location indicating hardware. 13.The device according to claim 12, wherein the device is configured toreceive an inquiry from the controller for information related to theidentity of the device and to recognize the inquiry as being directed tothe device based on the location of the device.
 14. The device accordingto claim 1, wherein the device comprises an Antenna Line Device (ALD), aRemote Radio Unit (RRU), an Antenna Integrated Radio (AIR), a TowerMounted Amplifier (TMA), or a Remote Electrical Tilting (RET) device.15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured toconfigure at least part of its first identity according to the firstparticular sector indicated by the electronically readable sectorinformation.
 16. A controller configured to connect via a network to adevice associated with a sector of a radio communication cell, whereinthe controller and the device comprise radio communication equipment,and wherein the controller is located at a distance from the device andis configured to send an inquiry to the device requesting that thedevice respond with information related to an identity of the device ifthat device is associated with a specified sector, as indicated byelectronically readable sector information of the device.
 17. Thecontroller according to claim 16, further configured to receive aresponse from the device that includes the requested information. 18.The controller according to claim 16, further configured to connect thedevice to a radio device associated with radio communication in thespecified sector.
 19. The controller according to claim 16, furtherconfigured to send an inquiry to another device also associated with asector of the radio communication cell, the inquiry requesting that saidanother device respond with information related to an identity of saidanother device if that device is associated with another specifiedsector.
 20. The controller according to claim 19, further configured toreceive a response from said another device that includes the requestedinformation.
 21. The controller according to claim 19, furtherconfigured to connect the device to a radio device associated with radiocommunication in said another specified sector.
 22. The controlleraccording to claim 16, wherein the inquiry requests that the devicerespond with information related to an identity of the device if thatdevice is located at a specified location.
 23. Sector indicatinghardware of a device that comprises radio communication equipment andthat is configured to connect to a controller located remotely from thedevice, wherein the sector indicating hardware comprises a settingelement configured to set the device to be exclusively associated with aparticular sector of a radio communication cell, the setting elementcomprising a connecting element configured to interconnect at least twoconductors of a connector socket or a connector plug of the device. 24.The sector indicating hardware of claim 23, wherein the setting elementcomprises one setting element in a set of different setting elementsthat comprise different connecting elements, wherein the differentconnecting elements are configured to interconnect different conductorsof the connector socket or connector plug for setting the device to beexclusively associated with different sectors of the radio communicationcell.
 25. A method implemented by a controller for establishing aconnection via a network between the controller and a device associatedwith a sector of a radio communication cell, wherein the controller islocated at a distance from the device, the method comprising sending aninquiry to the device, via the network, requesting that the devicerespond with information related to an identity of the device if thatdevice is associated with a specified sector, as indicated byelectronically readable sector information of the device.
 26. The methodaccording to claim 25, further comprising receiving a response from thedevice that includes the requested information.
 27. The method accordingto claim 25, further comprising connecting the device to a radio deviceassociated with radio communication in the specified sector.
 28. Themethod according to claim 25, further comprising sending an inquiry toanother device also associated with a sector of the radio communicationcell, the inquiry requesting that said another device respond withinformation related to an identity of said another device if that deviceis associated with another specified sector.
 29. The method according toclaim 28, further comprising receiving a response from said anotherdevice that includes the requested information.
 30. The method accordingto claim 29, further comprising connecting said another device to afirst radio device associated with radio communication in saidparticular sector or to a second radio device associated with radiocommunication in said another specified sector.
 31. The method accordingto claim 25, wherein the inquiry requests that the device respond withinformation related to an identity of the device if that device islocated at a specified location.
 32. The method according to claim 25,wherein said sending comprises sending the inquiry to multiple devices.33. The method according to claim 25, wherein an identification numberof the device comprises sector related information relating to thespecified sector.
 34. The method according to claim 25, wherein thedevice comprises an Antenna Line Device (ALD), a Remote Radio Unit(RRU), an Antenna Integrated Radio (AIR), a Tower Mounted Amplifier(TMA), or a Remote Electrical Tilting (RET) device.
 35. The deviceaccording to claim 5, wherein the setting element comprises a switchconfigured to be switched to one of different possible positions thatrespectively set the device to be exclusively associated with differentsectors and that are visually labeled as being exclusively associatedwith those different sectors.